A newspaper editor, who headbutted and punched a man who called him ‘racist’, has been banned from going out on Friday and Saturday nights.

Kirklees Magistrates also ordered Danny Lockwood to do 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £250 compensation to Liam Ellis.

The court heard Lockwood, 55, of Main Street, Elvington, York, assaulted Mr Ellis in a car park outside the Fox and Hounds, Hanging Heaton, Dewsbury, on April 20.

Mr Ellis had become embroiled in a row with Lockwood and had accused him and his newspaper – The Press, based in Batley – of being racist, magistrates were told on Tuesday.

The court heard Mr Ellis had gone outside ‘to make peace’ when Lockwood, attacked him.

Prosecuting Vanessa Schofield told magistrates that Mr Ellis had needed five stitches after the assault.

Ms Schofield said: “Mr Lockwood headbutted him in his left eye causing Mr Ellis to fall back into the porch.

“Mr Lockwood punched him in the face and head and Mr Ellis was left on the floor.”

Unrepresented Lockwood, who was found guilty of assault earlier this month, disputed some ‘facts’ of the case.

He added he disagreed with the court’s decision but added he would respect it.

Magistrates ordered Lockwood to do 150 hours unpaid work and stay in on Friday, Saturday and Monday from 7pm to 7am for eight weeks.

Lockwood, who also runs rugby newspaper League Weekly, was ordered to pay £250 compensation to Mr Ellis plus £620 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Passing sentence bench chairman, Keith Wilson, said: “We’re dealing with a serious assault looking at the pictures of Mr Ellis.

“We’ve decided to make a community penalty as a direct alternative to custody. If you don’t abide by the things we say you could be brought back to court and one option will be custody.”

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